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Emily Harrington
 mid November, 2006

FRB: Emily, you grew up climbing. What's that like?

Emily: I started climbing when I was 11, and haven't stopped since. I guess I really don't know any other lifestyle. My life has revolved around climbing for so long that I don't really remember what it was like before. Obviously, I love the way that I grew up, and I wouldn't change anything. I've done so many amazing things in my life because of climbing. I have great friends, a wonderful relationship with my parents, and I've travelled all over the world. I couldn't ask for a better upbringing.

FRB: You live the climbing lifestyle... What would
          you recommend to someone just starting out?

Emily: I would tell them that climbing will offer them so many amazing opportunities and it's a great way to meet people and travel.

FRB: What's the downside to the
          climbing lifestyle?

Emily: It's been hard for me to juggle school and try to climb hard at the same time. I think it's important, though, to not let one activity take over my entire life, so I enjoy having something else (like school) to focus on. Also, being a professional climber doesn't get you anywhere financially, so that pretty much sucks.

FRB: How do you think history will paint you?

Emily: I hope I'm remembered as somebody who worked hard in all aspects of my life and pushed the envelope for women's climbing. I want to inspire other women (and men) to climb hard outside and compete.

FRB: What's a typical day for you, Emily?

Emily: I always wake up at around 6:30, go on a 30 minute run, then I eat breakfast and walk to school. After class at around 1:00, I usually go to the gym, I lose motivation if I don't go early in the day, so I try to go right after school. After training, I go home and do homework, and then I hang out with my parents and my boyfriend (Rob D'Anastasio) and we go out to eat or make dinner. I go to bed around 9:30. I sometimes think I'm a boring person, but I'm happy with the way I live, so that's all that counts, right?

FRB: What do you prefer, sport/trad or
          bouldering and why?

Emily: I prefer sport climbing and I'll admit that it's because I'm better at it. I have good endurance and I love training endurance and clipping bolts outside. I lose motivation when I boulder because I don't like it when I have to work on the same moves over and over again. With routes, I usually progress pretty fast when I'm working on a project and the experieince is always new and exciting, but I get impatient when bouldering because I fail on a move over and over again. I do enjoy trad climbing, but I get scared and it takes alot of time and preparation, I don't have that much time or motivation to trad climb right now, but hopefully I will someday.

FRB: How do you unwind after
          your typical climbing day?

Emily: I do homework, read, and I like to go out to dinner or cook with my parents and Rob.

FRB: Who do you look up to in your
         climbing lifestyle decisions?

Emily: I look up to Beth Rodden and Tommy Caldwell because I think they're amazing climbers and people.

FRB: Favorite partners?

Emily: Kelly Rayburn and my dad.

FRB: Favorite indoor facilities and why?

Emily: I like the Spot for social reasons and the BRC is good because I can get on a rope, but CATS is the best for training because it's old school and you can do 100 move problems on tiny, slimey holds that have been there for years.

FRB: Favorite trainers and why?

Emily: Justen Sjong (my old Jr. team coach) taught me to love climbing and Robyn Erbesfield taught me how to try hard and win.

FRB: Favorite bouldering in colorado?

Emily: I'm not that psyched on bouldering outside, but I guess I like RMNP because it's beautiful.

FRB: Favorite bouldering in the world and why?

Emily: I went to Magicwood, but I think the Park is still better.

FRB: You climb 5.14. How did you train up to that
          level so quickly? What would suggest to someone
          who wants to attain that goal?

Emily: I work hard and I take care of myself. It's all about lifestyle: eating right, getting enough sleep, training even when you're tired but knowing when to take it easy so you don't get injured. If you want to climb hard, you have to be willing to sacrifice a little bit. Sometimes it's torturous to go into the gym or go on a run, but suck it up and do it anyway. You have to have the motivation and the drive to succeed, that's the most important thing.

FRB: Best roadtrip. Explain please.

Emily: Australia in 2004. I had just graduated high school and couldn't wait to get out. It was the adventure of a lifetime and I have never learned so much about myself and others in such a short period of time. I have so many stories to tell and I will remember all of them for the rest of my life.

FRB: Worse roadtrip. Explain please.

Emily: Australia in 2004. Our van broke down, bad weather, I found out how homesick I could get... our epics were endless... but it was still completely worth it.

FRB: What about the other parts of your life.
          What do you like to do?

Emily: I love running (most of the time), reading, and going out to eat. I like to cook and I'm learning how to play the piano. My favorite TV show is Seinfeld and I've seen every episode.

FRB: Who knows you best?
          What would they say about you?

Emily: My mom and dad and Rob. They would all say that I push myself too hard but that's why I'm good at what I do.

FRB: In moments of doubt, despair or fear, what
          runs through your mind?

Emily: I know deep down that the feelings will not last, that things will get better, and I that it's a part of life to have bad days. I remind myself that I am extremely lucky and that it's probably not as bad as I'm making it out to be. Sometimes, however, I'm not so reasonable and I need to be reminded of all of those things.

FRB: What about life after climbing. What are
          some of your long term goals?

Emily: I am graduating from college in May and then I'm going to travel and climb for a bit. I really haven't thought past that point very much but I know I want to have a respectable job and eventually have a family and life that doesn't revolve so much around climbing. First, however, I want to climb more 5.14s and win some more World Cups.

FRB: When you're old and gray and in your
         rocking chair. How do you think you'll feel
         about your climbing days? Elaborate please .

Emily: I will cherish them and remember them as some of the best days of my life. I will remember all of my friends and memories that I have because of climbing and I will be so grateful.

FRB: Final words of wisdom to someone embarking
         on an intense climbing lifestyle?

Emily: It's hard work and it sucks sometimes, but if you want it bad enough, it's worth it so stick it out.

FRB: Thanks for the interview and the opportunity
          of getting to know you a litlle more.

Emily: No problem, Thank you!

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